Authorities seized suspected shabu worth nearly P500 million in separate anti-illegal drug operations in Zamboanga City on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

Police and other law enforcement agencies confiscated suspected shabu worth more than P455 million concealed in two suitcases found inside a pickup truck that figured in an accident in Barangay Bunguiao evening on Tuesday.

The items seized weighed around 67 kilos.

The 46-year-old driver was arrested while his 31-year-old female companion, a resident of Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, was brought to the hospital after sustaining injuries.

According to the Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula (PRO-9), the suspects had just disembarked from a motorboat carrying the suitcases. They then loaded the alleged contraband onto a pickup truck to deliver to other areas.

However, the suspects attempted to flee upon noticing the presence of police officers in the area. Authorities chased the suspects until the suspects’ vehicle crashed.

“Nagkaroon tayo ng habulan sa isang sasakyan kung saan nakalagay yung binabantayan nating mga kontrabado. Sa kasamaang palad, nahulog yung sasakyan sa isang madilim na part dito sa Brgy. Bunguiao at doon na-recover ang dalawang maleta na naglalaman ng approximately 67 kilograms of suspected shabu,” PRO-9 Spokesperson, Major Shellamie Chang, said.

Police added that the suspects had long been under surveillance.

The suspects will face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165).

“This accomplishment stands among the largest interdictions recorded in the region, reflecting the government’s determined efforts to dismantle drug syndicates, safeguard communities, and protect future generations from the scourge of illegal drugs,” PRO-9 added.

Earlier that day, police and anti-narcotics agents also confiscated suspected shabu worth around P27 million in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Canelar.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Zamboanga Peninsula (PDEA-9) said the seized items weighed around four kilos.

Police and PDEA-9 agents also arrested the 52-year-old suspect, a businessman and former member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines from Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

Authorities considered the suspect a high value target in the illegal drug trade.

The suspect is also facing charges for violation of RA 9165.